Government to introduce CBSE curriculum in 100 schools

The state government has decided to introduce the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum in 100 government senior secondary schools to improve educational standards and ensure holistic development of students.

In the first phase, 100 government senior secondary schools in the state will be affiliated with the CBSE from the next academic session. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu was keen to provide CBSE-level education to students in government schools, as it would help in creating an inclusive-learning environment and the schools would emerge as model institutions.

An official spokesperson said that the initiative would promote healthy competition between schools affiliated with the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education and those with the CBSE. It would encourage both students and teachers to strive for improved performance. “At least one CBSE school will be opened in every Assembly constituency to ensure that students from all regions have access to quality education under the CBSE system at an affordable cost,” he added.

The spokesperson said that the CBSE curriculum was nationally benchmarked and widely recognised, particularly in the context of national-level competitive examinations. The move would strengthen the academic competitiveness of Himachali students, open avenues for higher education and professional careers and better equip them to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

To implement this reform, a separate sub-cadre of teachers would be created for these schools. “Serving teachers will be given the option to join the CBSE sub-cadre. The selection of principals, teachers and the non-teaching staff will be done on merit, considering academic excellence, co-curricular involvement and other relevant factors,” he added.

He said a Performance-Based Incentive Scheme, both monetary and non-monetary, would be introduced to motivate staff. These CBSE-affiliated schools would function as day-boarding institutions, focusing on the all-round development of students. Along with academics, the emphasis there would be on nutrition, sports, arts, skilling, remedial teaching, counselling, career guidance, mentoring and coaching.